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Science News Archive 2011 - Page 43


Page 43 of 311

Brain stimulator shown to reduce 'untreatable' epileptic seizures

A first-of-its-kind study found that brain stimulation significantly reduced 'medically refractory' epileptic seizures in adults. The NeuroPace Responsive Neurostimulation System delivered electrical pulses to stop seizures, providing a new treatment option for patients who have tried multiple medications and surgery without success.

SourceHenry Ford Health·JournalNeurology·DateNov 8, 2011
Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter

Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter measures wind, temperature, and humidity in real time for site assessments, aviation checks, and safety briefings.

Autism linked with excess of neurons in prefrontal cortex

A study published by researchers at the University of California, San Diego found a 67% excess of cortical cells in children with autism, pointing to prenatal processes gone awry as a possible cause. The excess neurons were discovered in areas associated with social, communication and cognitive development.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalJAMA·DateNov 8, 2011

Hi-tech scans catch prehistoric mite hitching ride on spider

Researchers have produced the smallest arthropod fossil ever scanned using X-ray CT techniques, a 176-micron-long prehistoric mite trapped in Baltic amber. The study reveals almost 50 million years of evolution among these mites of phoretic behavior using another species.

SourceUniversity of Manchester·JournalBiology Letters·DateNov 8, 2011

10 million euros for pioneering research projects at TU Muenchen

Six TUM researchers have received substantial ERC grants to support their groundbreaking research projects. Prof. Annette Menzel's project aims to investigate the impact of extreme weather events on ecosystems, while Prof. Christian Pfleiderer is working on magnetic vortices for information technology.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·DateNov 8, 2011

Cooking in the classroom to fight childhood obesity

A study found that cooking programs like Cooking with Kids integrate nutrition education with academic subjects, strengthening students' understanding of content and developing social skills. The program helps students develop good food habits and treats them respectfully, preparing them for adulthood.

SourceElsevier Health Sciences·JournalJournal of Nutrition Education and Behavior·DateNov 8, 2011
Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4)

Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4) runs demanding GIS, imaging, and annotation workflows on the go for surveys, briefings, and lab notebooks.

Digital tool enhances writing instruction

Eli is a web service that improves writing by providing teachers and students with quick review, feedback, and revision tools. Developed by MSU researchers, Eli aims to enhance writing proficiency among America's students and professional writers.

SourceMichigan State University·DateNov 8, 2011
Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only)

Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only) delivers reliable low-light performance and rugged build for astrophotography, lab documentation, and field expeditions.

Reducing carbon footprints with carbon storage

Research shows that maintaining wildlands in and among vineyards significantly improves carbon storage. This approach can help balance global atmospheric carbon by increasing vegetation and biodiversity while reducing emissions.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalCarbon Balance and Management·DateNov 8, 2011

Psychologists chase down sleep demons

Researchers found that sleep paralysis is more common in students and psychiatric patients, affecting nearly 28% of students and 32% of psychiatric patients. The study also identified three types of hallucinations experienced during sleep paralysis, including the presence of an intruder, pressure on the chest, and levitation.

SourcePenn State·JournalSleep Medicine Reviews·DateNov 8, 2011

Wood biofuel could be a competitive industry by 2020: UBC study

A new study published in the journal Biofuels Bioproducts & Biorefinin suggests that wood-based biofuel can compete with corn ethanol for a share of the renewable fuels market. The research identifies opportunities to reduce costs and increase economic viability through technological advancements and economies-of-scale.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·DateNov 8, 2011
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.

Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply

Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply powers sensors, microcontrollers, and test circuits with programmable rails and stable outputs.

Researchers create extra-long electrical arcs using less energy

Researchers at the University of Canterbury developed a new method to generate extra-long electrical arcs using exploding copper wires, reducing the amount of voltage needed by more than 95%. The technique has potential applications in inducing real lightning from thunderclouds and creating novel electrical machines.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalJournal of Applied Physics·DateNov 8, 2011

Possible treatment target found for main cause of severe liver disease in kids

Researchers at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center have identified a new molecular signature for biliary atresia, a devastating pediatric liver disease. The study found that some children with the condition exhibit high levels of Th2 immune system activity, providing a potential target for new therapies.

SourceCincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateNov 8, 2011

Seasonal flu monitoring system launches

The UK Flusurvey, launched by the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, will track seasonal flu spread across Britain and compare data with European countries. The online survey aims to detect flu epidemics early and provide insights into vaccine effectiveness.

SourceLondon School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine·DateNov 8, 2011

A new role is hatched for female fruit flies

A team of NYU biologists uncovered a previously unknown role for female reproductive tract cells in fruit flies, which affects sperm movement and fertility. The discovery may provide insights into manipulating reproductive behavior in other insects.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateNov 8, 2011
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB

SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB transfers large imagery and model outputs quickly between field laptops, lab workstations, and secure archives.

Nanowires could be solution for high performance solar cells

Researchers at the University of Illinois have developed a technique to integrate compound semiconductor nanowires on silicon wafers, enabling high-performance solar cells. The approach uses densely packed arrays of tiny strands of III-V semiconductor that grow up vertically from the silicon wafer.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalNano Letters·DateNov 8, 2011

Precipitation variability in Northeast, Southwest linked in 1,000-year analysis

A study published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences finds a strong correlation between precipitation patterns in the Northeast and Southwest. Researchers used sediment layers to reconstruct records and found that extreme weather events are predicted by climate models.

SourceUniversity of Rhode Island·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 8, 2011

Syracuse University receives $2 million from NSF

The university will conduct research on deciphering and controlling the signaling processes in bacterial multicellular systems and bacteria-host interactions. This study aims to understand persister formation in biofilm development and manipulate the multicellular and inter-kingdom signaling processes.

SourceSyracuse University·DateNov 8, 2011

Bisexual women, more likely than bisexual men, to be depressed and abuse alcohol, new study finds

A recent study by George Mason University researcher Lisa Lindley found that bisexual women are at a higher risk of depression, stress, and alcohol abuse compared to their male counterparts. The research also showed that bisexual girls were more likely to be high-risk for these health issues during their teenage years.

SourceGeorge Mason University·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·DateNov 8, 2011
DJI Air 3 (RC-N2)

DJI Air 3 (RC-N2) captures 4K mapping passes and environmental surveys with dual cameras, long flight time, and omnidirectional obstacle sensing.

What the brain sees after the eye stops looking

A Japanese study reveals that the brain, not the eye, produces afterimage illusions in complementary shapes. The research found that the brain's shape-processing visual cortex is responsible for creating these illusory shapes, which were observed in a novel afterimage illusion.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateNov 8, 2011

Vaccine for metastatic breast, ovarian cancer shows promise

A recombinant poxviral vaccine has shown positive responses in both metastatic breast cancer and ovarian cancer, with median overall survival ranging from 13.7 months to 15 months. The treatment led to clinical responses in some patients and mild injection-site reactions as the most common side effect.

SourceAmerican Association for Cancer Research·JournalClinical Cancer Research·DateNov 8, 2011

Spinal bleeding with brain injury may suggest abuse in young children

A new study found that spinal bleeding is common in young children with traumatic brain injury, suggesting abusive trauma. Complete spine imaging can help distinguish between abusive and accidental injury in these cases. The study's findings support the importance of imaging the whole spine for accurate diagnosis.

SourceRadiological Society of North America·JournalRadiology·DateNov 8, 2011

Research team explores how microbial diversity defends against disease

A research team led by Virginia Tech's Lisa Belden is studying the role of microbial communities on the skin of frogs in defending against a devastating fungal disease. The goal is to develop probiotics that can help amphibians resist the disease and potentially even release endangered species back into nature.

SourceVirginia Tech·DateNov 8, 2011

Financial reimbursement increases cardiac stress tests

A new study from Duke University Medical Center found that financial reimbursement for cardiac imaging tests increases their use, with doctors ordering tests 50-100% more often when billed for both performing and interpreting the results.

SourceDuke University Medical Center·JournalJAMA·DateNov 8, 2011
AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope

AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope supports teaching labs and QA checks with LED illumination, mechanical stage, and included 5MP camera.

Molecular corkscrew

Researchers have discovered that the protein p97/VCP aids DNA repair by unwinding proteins at damaged sites. This mechanism holds potential for improving radio- and chemotherapy effects on cancer cells.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalNature Cell Biology·DateNov 8, 2011

A list of the planthoppers of Iran

A comprehensive list of 235 planthoppers from Iran has been compiled, featuring new species names and taxonomic data. The study aims to improve pest control management and encourage further research on this important group of insects.

SourcePensoft Publishers·JournalZooKeys·DateNov 8, 2011

Research targets brain region affected by Parkinson's

A team of researchers at the University of Western Ontario has demonstrated that eliminating a specific neurotransmitter in the striatum may improve brain function in Parkinson's disease. By using genetically-modified mice and high-level behavior and imaging techniques, the researchers found that neurons responsible for this neurotrans...

SourceUniversity of Western Ontario·JournalPLOS Biology·DateNov 8, 2011

Using Viagra to combat malignant melanoma

Researchers have found that sildenafil, the active ingredient in Viagra, can neutralize chronic inflammation caused by malignant melanoma, allowing tumor-specific T cells to function properly. This study suggests that Viagra may improve treatment results for people with melanoma by boosting antitumor immunity.

SourceHelmholtz Association·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 8, 2011
Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor

Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor tracks ventilation quality in labs, classrooms, and conference rooms with long battery life and clear e-ink readouts.

Shoe strings and egg openers

Researchers at Max Planck Institute identify novel Rubisco activase in red algae that repairs useless proteins by opening active centers like a shoe string. This discovery could aid in designing more efficient plants and microorganisms that convert CO2 into valuable biomass.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalNature·DateNov 8, 2011

Promoting corporate sustainability on the web

A new study found that top US companies promote sustainability on their websites to attract and retain profitable customers. The researchers assessed the environmental efforts of 500 leading companies and discovered a significant increase in sustainability programs across industries since 2008.

SourceInderscience Publishers·JournalInternational Journal of Global Environmental Issues·DateNov 8, 2011

Clean indoor air laws encourage bans on smoking at home

New studies found that clean indoor air laws are associated with increased voluntary smokefree policies in the home, particularly in households with smokers and children. The laws have a significant impact on protecting kids from secondhand smoke exposure, with children up to twice as likely to take up smoking themselves.

SourceElsevier Health Sciences·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·DateNov 8, 2011
Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach

Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach provides rugged GNSS navigation, satellite messaging, and SOS for backcountry geology and climate field teams.

Universities, industry team up for 'greener' electronics

The NSF-funded I/UCRC E3S center aims to develop holistic approaches to energy efficiency in data centers, potentially saving millions of dollars. The collaboration between universities and industry leaders will focus on finding ways to monitor and self-regulate electronic systems' energy usage.

SourceBinghamton University·DateNov 8, 2011

1 neuron, 2 neurotransmitters and different effects on behavior

Researchers discovered that eliminating acetylcholine secretion boosted dopamine actions, potentially improving motor symptoms in Parkinson's disease. The study used genetically modified mice to investigate the role of neurotransmitters in the striatum, a region affected by the disease.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateNov 8, 2011

New hybrid detector monitors alpha, beta, and gamma radiation simultaneously

Researchers have developed a new hybrid detector that can monitor alpha, beta, and gamma radiation simultaneously. The device uses three scintillators to distinguish between the different types of radiation, allowing it to provide accurate counts for all three simultaneously.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalReview of Scientific Instruments·DateNov 8, 2011
GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter

GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter logs beta, gamma, and X-ray levels for environmental monitoring, training labs, and safety demonstrations.

Carotid artery stenting possible for high risk patients with lesions

Researchers at UTHealth successfully performed carotid artery stenting on 10 high-risk patients without complications or deaths. The procedure showed promising results, particularly in patients with symptoms of stroke related to their carotid artery disease.

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at Houston·DateNov 8, 2011

New research calls for lower limit to be set for South Asian obesity level

A new study suggests that migrant South Asians should be classified as obese with a BMI between 23-28 kg/m2, indicating a higher risk of developing diabetes and cardiovascular disease. The conventional definition of obesity may need to be lowered for this population to detect equivalent levels of cardiovascular risk.

SourceUniversity of Leicester·JournalPLOS ONE·DateNov 8, 2011

Painkiller abuse treated by sustained buprenorphine/naloxone

A large-scale study found that sustained buprenorphine/naloxone (Suboxone) treatment reduced prescription painkiller abuse by 49% in patients with addiction. However, once the medication was discontinued, relapse rates were high, highlighting the need for sustained recovery strategies.

SourceNIH/National Institute on Drug Abuse·DateNov 8, 2011

New artemisinin-based treatment against malaria promising

A new artemisinin-based treatment has been shown to be highly effective in treating uncomplicated malaria, particularly in regions with high re-infection risks. The study, which involved over 4,000 children in sub-Saharan Africa, found that the combination therapy had excellent efficacy and significantly reduced recurrent infections.

SourceInstitute of Tropical Medicine Antwerp·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateNov 8, 2011
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

Adult living donor liver transplants safe, study finds

Researchers at Henry Ford Hospital found that adult living donor liver transplants are safe with a 100% donor survival rate and low-grade complications. The study, which looked at 54 living donor liver transplants over 10 years, also found minor complications in 61% of donors.

SourceHenry Ford Health·DateNov 8, 2011